Blog
WE asked. YOU answered! The #REVtribe submitted stories on how REV inspired them to step out of their comfort zones. Turns out, the #REVtribe is what makes REV so freaking badass. Tune in each Monday as we share one of YOUR stories in hopes to inspire the entire tribe to dig a little deeper and most of all to give you the courage to live the life you love!
As we sweat, we become. We become: One Team. One Heart. One Tribe.
I used to be an international competitive figure skater. Despite some triumphs and achievements, my career was mostly mired with heartbreak and disappointment including an eating disorder, a broken back at 15 years old, and just barely missing qualifying for the 2010 Olympics. I thought I had come to a good place with myself and my skating when I eventually retired in 2011, however that was not the case. I spent years holding onto resentment and refused to care for my body in the slightest. The thought of working out or going to the gym brought up painful memories, even though I justified it as being a young, college kid and laughed off my unhealthily lifestyle as being a “hot mess”. While still very much a hot mess in some regards (e.g. always misplacing my keys!), REV was actually the first place I started to find some peace and excitement.
I moved from Los Angeles to Baltimore two years ago for my job and for my boyfriend. Living and settling down in a new city can be tough, especially when you feel like you have no identity or no connection to anything around you. It was very important for me to have a network outside of my boyfriend, who grew up in Baltimore. I figured attending some fitness classes would hopefully enable me to meet new people, while also getting back into shape, both mentally and physically. Walking down Fort Avenue to the studio, I was absolutely terrified and already sweating (mostly from fear, but also this Baltimore humidity that I had never experienced!).
I remember my very first class was with Sean, and he and the staff made me feel so welcomed and at ease. Class was tough and I remember thinking 5 minutes into it: “Wow, I do not think I am going to make it. Also, I really like this song.” Despite my doubts, I did make it and it was the first time in a very long time where I actually felt like I accomplished something. Though my body was wrecked, I walked back home feeling triumphant. From that day forward, I couldn’t wait to get back to REV. Classes with Jess, and then Maddison, then Sam, then Kelly only continued to fuel this new passion I had for self-care and for my body (something that I had long been ashamed of). I began to notice more genuine joy in my life and so did those around me. REV started a whole new journey that I’m on and I’m so grateful for this tribe and community.
